There are comedians who set benchmarks of quality and then there is the uniquely gifted Daniel Kitson.
The 2002 Perrier Award winner is so far ahead of the game that the rest of the Fringe might as well pack up.
The only reason that Kitson, an obvious influence on one of 2009's buzz acts Tom Wrigglesworth, is not a household name is that he shuns large venues, television and publicity. Which is not how stars are expected to behave.
As well as his acclaimed theatrical piece at the Traverse, the stylishly scruffy 32-year-old is also playing midnight gigs at The Stand. On the night this critic was in he was still consulting notes.
For others this would be bad form, here it was a chance to see a sublime set being skilfully crafted as he riffed and reflected on the recent death of his aunt and how this made him reevaluate life.
Along the way there were callbacks, straightforward gags, pseudo-pompous asides ("find a diem and carpe the shit out of it") and touchingly compassionate portraits of relatives.
Technically he was simply flawless, brimming over with confidence and effortlessly working the crowd.
The show overran by 45 minutes but few complained.
Though it would have finished earlier if Kitson had not hilariously halted his flow to investigate which front row fan's breath smelt of onions.
Which is not how stars are expected to behave either.
Until 30 August (0131 226 0000, www.edfringe.com).
Daniel Kitson
The Stand, Edinburgh Fringe
